2-0 at home against WBA was 500th Premier League win for Arsenal!
Only Manchester United have more wins than Arsenal since the Premier League started in this format. A great accomplishment brought to us thanks to a fantastic performance from and the rest of the team. On a side note, it feels so good to write something else other than “he was good but it didn’t help” for these ratings!
Petr Čech – 7
Cech wasn’t too busy, and he kept a clean sheet. WBA did hit the bar in first half and we had a one or two scary moments but overall he did well and saved what was needed to be saved.
Nacho Monreal – 7
He didn’t have much to do defensively so we could see him join in attack for most of the match. He did well, with a few chances created. He also sprinted the fastest according to @arsenal on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/723245172214108161
Per Mertesacker – 7
Much like the rest of the defence, he didn’t have much to do and he did it well. You could say he was unnoticeable, which is a good thing for this match.
Laurent Koscielny – 7
Again, not much to do at the back against WBA, and handled everything well when a reaction was needed.
Hector Bellerin – 7.5
Bellerin did well in defence but was also a threat in attack, with a few shots in first half and joining in attack during all 90 minutes. Great pace, and great tackling.
Mohamed Elneny – 7
Just like in most matches so far, Elneny was great with the ball, taking it from the opponents, keeping it well and passing it forward. He had a penalty shout but it wasn’t given (I’d dare to say Moss was right).
Aaron Ramsey – 8
Great call from Wenger to start him, Aaron had a great match! Assisted for Alexis’ first goal and won the free-kick that gave us the second. He also had most passes (105/114) and most tackles (7/8) tonight.
(Stats carefully noted by our Lewis)
Ramsey:
Most passes (105/114)
Most tackles (7/8)
3/3 take-ons
2nd most chances created (2)
2nd most defensive aerial(!) duels won (3)— Lewis (@LGAmbrose) April 21, 2016
Mesut Özil – 7.5
Mesut was everywhere, creating chances and having shots himself. He didn’t get to assist or score today but he had quite a few opportunities.
Alex Iwobi – 7
Iwobi looked good for the most of the match, as he has done in every match so far. He could have done better in final third, shooting when he passed, or passing when he had a shot, but that comes with experience.
Alexis Sanchez – 9
Mine, and everyone’s, MOTM tonight. Two goals, a constant threat, amazing flicks, many chances created, and constant running for the ball in between – he was on fire. Or, you know, just being Alexis we know and love.
Olivier Giroud – 7.5
Giroud was being Giroud, what else? An important part of our attack, keeping the ball, passing it around, distracting opponents with some really great moves, but failing to score or get clear shots on the goal. He did hit WBA’s keeper in the face though.
SUBS
Joel Campbell – 6
Although he came on pretty late, he instantly created a few chances and had a few shots on goal, which makes me wonder even more why doesn’t he get more appearances.
Theo Walcott – 5
Touched the ball! Nah, he was okay in the few minutes he got.
Francis Coquelin – 4.5
I didn’t even notice him when he came on, I guess a good thing for Coquelin!